Village Bicycle Cooperative finishes first season of operation

Village Bicycle Cooperative's first summer of operation was a success largely due to all of the amazing people that volunteered time to repair bicycles, instruct residents and participate in community outreach events. We were also able to progress so rapidly because of the generosity of a few residents and all of the people that donated bicycles and accessories. Also, big thanks go to the Green Team, the Bay Skate and Bike Park Foundation, Fairview Cycles and Goodman Group; without the assistance from these organizations we wouldn't have been able to offer any open shop hours.

Some highlights from this summer include offering our first series of classes called the Basics of Maintenance where eight Bay residents were able to learn about maintaining their bicycles. We were able to donate two bicycles to Westlake Relay for Life, many residents were able to purchase safe bicycles for under $100, and we were able to collaborate with Bike Lakewood, The Beck Center, and Mahall's to offer a Ready to Ride Event allowing locals to stop up and have their bicycles checked for safety and have minor repairs made by the six mechanics on hand. We hope to offer more of these types of services both in Bay Village and to other local communities as well.

We are looking forward to building on these services. The fall and winter will be exciting times for Village Bicycle Cooperative as we attempt to shore up a permanent home in the ground floor of the Bay Community House, and make plans for next spring and summer. Some events and programs we intend to offer are Earn a Bike program where students can volunteer time at the cooperative to earn a bicycle, more Ready to Ride events and the continuing development of our bicycle maintenance curriculum.

Keep in mind that we do accept bicycle donations no matter the condition of it and that if you are interested in tinkering and learning how to maintain your bicycle, the cooperative is a great organization to be involved with. People of any skill level are welcome as there are a variety of ways to help out at the shop, such as taking bicycles apart to utilize the good parts for other bicycles that will be recycled, de-spoking rims, organizing parts and creating signage to post around the shop. For more information, visit villagebicycle.org.